Session Outline

This presentation introduces a practical approach to enhancing student success and graduate readiness through the integration of PebblePad eportfolios and embedding reflective skills development into academic advising and personal tutoring. By using the eportfolio as a reflective, developmental space, students are supported in evidencing and articulating their skills (Beckingham, 2023), documenting growth and tracking progress (Light et al, 2011), and connecting their learning to future career goals. This in turn helps transition, integration and build a clearer sense of purpose throughout their studies (Schaeper, 2020)

The structure includes capturing skills evidence, creating short “About Me” videos to express aspirations, iterating CVs, and linking professional profiles such as LinkedIn. Creative activities can help students to build a personalised narrative of their aspirations, growth, and achievements (Beckingham and Garnham, 2025). Students also use the eportfolio to reflect on discussions with their academic advisor or personal tutor, enabling more meaningful conversations about progression, employability, and preparation for part-time jobs, placements or graduate roles. This in turn can help to foster a sense of belonging, mattering and relational connectedness (Lochtie et all, 2025, Felten and Lambert, 2020).

This talk shares practical examples and insights into how eportfolios can empower students to take ownership of their development. When embedded into advising and tutoring it fosters student agency, strengthens reflective capability, and helps learners articulate who they are becoming — and who they aim to be as future graduates. This can help students become active navigators of their employability journey (Lock and Kelly, 2022), become confident reflecting in action and on action (Schön, 1983) and go on to graduate with a stronger sense of direction and career readiness.

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